Barcids

Barcids: name of Carthaginian family, best known for its role in the wars against Rome.

The first to rise to fame was Hamilcar, who fought against the Romans on Sicily during the First Punic War (264-241). He was surnamed Bârâq, which means "lightning" and is comparable to the Hellenistic royal title with the same meaning, Keraunos. Later, he defeated rebel mercenaries and made a start with the conquest of parts of the Iberian peninsula.

He was succeeded by his son-in-law Hasdrubal the Fair, who in turn was succeeded by Hamilcar's son Hannibal Barca. During the Second Punic War (218-202), he and his brothers Hasdrubal and Mago were able of bringing Rome close to defeat.